Flight Details
A student pilot with 39 hours of total flight time was conducting a solo cross-country flight at night without the required endorsement. The flight was intended as a round trip, but during the return leg, the pilot deviated from the planned course, traveling farther south than intended and becoming lost. Air traffic control provided radar vectors to guide the pilot back toward the destination airport.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
Approximately 3 hours and 35 minutes into the flight, while at an altitude of 2,000 feet above ground level and about 10 miles north of the destination airport, the engine began sputtering and subsequently quit. Due to darkness, the pilot was unable to locate a suitable landing area. The airplane subsequently struck trees approximately 10 miles northwest of the airport.
Wreckage Examination
Post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed that both the left and right fuel tanks were empty. The fuel selector valve was found in the ON position.
Probable Cause
The source does not provide a stated probable cause.